MOVE!

Sometimes I tell myself I’m too busy to paint. Really I know it’s because I’m afraid I can’t produce the images that run across my mind. Other times I know I don’t care how my creation turns out, and remember that I love every part of painting (except cleaning the brushes because this Colorado weather really dries out my hands!).

In truth I have been too busy. I have been lost in helplessness, sadness and anger. For some, those dark thoughts are the key ingredients for a good creative process. Thankfully they are not mine. A few middle schoolers are being called names from a part of our history we pretend we’ve moved away from. Their friend’s parents taught them to “be nice to everyone.” Well, I know that message is not enough. I have been too afraid to move forward in my message to students. Brene Brown talked about courage and knowing it comes with backlash, mis-steps and failure. I’ve been so afraid of delivering the message in just the right way, as to not get parent complaints about some agenda they perceive I’m pushing. I’m embarrassed to say it out loud. Is that really ALL I’ve been afraid of? The work is too important to delay.

I needed this message today for many reasons. I hope it helps you to move in the direction of whatever has your heart a blaze. Here are some rocks I’ve painted and paired with graphic elements. Thank you simple backyard rocks for reminding me, I can paint directly from nature.